Protest blocks Vale's iron ore rail loadings in Brazil

: Freight, Metals
25/03/11

Protesters blocked Vale's Carajas railway on 9 March, according to a letter by LBH Brasil port agency sent to market participants. The blockade may disrupt iron ore shipments to Ponta da Madeira in northern Brazil and weigh on Atlantic Capesize rates, as previously happened in December 2024.

"Vale's Carajás Railroads has been impacted since 9 March, 2025, due to an occupation by protestors. The occupation has disrupted rail traffic along the corridor. As of today, the railroad remains interrupted. There are currently no concrete indications of immediate operational impacts on cargo transport. We are closely monitoring developments to assess any potential effects and will keep you informed as new information becomes available," LBH said in its letter.

Brazilian iron ore exports fell in early December after a similar blockade of the Carajás railway.

This month shipments reached just 6.2mn t in the first three working days of the month despite the Carnival holidays, and are projected to reach 39.3mn t in March, 49pc up from 26.3mn t in the same month last year, according to preliminary data. But final volumes could be significantly lower if the blockade will continue.

Vale, the iron ore producer that owns this railway, has not commented.

By Andrey Telegin

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25/04/29

US consumer confidence falls for 5th month in April

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Japanese ferrous scrap exports remain strong in March

25/04/29

Japanese ferrous scrap exports remain strong in March

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Indonesia imposes new nickel royalty rates

25/04/29

Indonesia imposes new nickel royalty rates

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